Am I wierd to request either a fax number or suggest I call and give a credit card number over the phone rather than emailing it? I have been warned in many situations that it is never wise to include cc numbers over an unsecure connection such as email. But I am worried I will lose the room if I don't get it to her soon, because the renter is asking for it within one business day or it may be gone. She did give me her number though and it is someone recommended in Vernazza in Rick's book.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
This topic usually results in a very heated debate. It's best to do a search for "credit card email", in the search box at the top of this page for previous discussions.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
E-Mail is as secure as any form of communication, including fax or phone. The problems come when someone at the other end gets hold of the number and uses it for nefarious purposes, in which case the method of transmission doesn't really matter. You can send two e-mails and split the card number between the two of them....that should foil the extremely slim chance that a sniffer program is checking out your e-mails.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, United States
8 posts
I just did the split email thing. Thanks for the super tip!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
She gave you her number - so call her.
I call Europe several times each year to give cc #s for deposits for my summer travel and have never had a problem. If the place does not have a phone number I can call, I look elsewhere.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The reality is that it is more secure to transmit a cc number by email that either fax or phone -- both same risk level.